The Territory's tourism industry night of nights saw 27 local businesses, organisations, and individuals crowned as winners at the 2024 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.
Held this year in Alice Springs, the awards received an impressive 94 nominations, marking the highest number of entries in more than five years. The calibre of entrants reflects the vitality and innovation driving the Territory's tourism sector forward.
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Marie-Clare Boothby, highlighted the importance of acknowledging excellence in the industry as it embarks on a new era of growth and opportunity.
"Tourism and hospitality are a vital part of our plan to rebuild the Territory's economy, and these awards are a chance to celebrate the commitment and achievements of our local tourism businesses," she said.
"The CLP government is focused on growing the tourism sector to create more jobs and opportunities for Territorians. By supporting our tourism operators, we're building a future where the Territory's unique destinations and experiences will bring visitors back to our regions and boost our local economy."
"It's the dedication, creativity, and resilience of our tourism operators that will shape a strong future for the industry-and when tourism thrives, the Territory thrives."
World Expeditions - Australian Walking Holidays emerged as a standout performer, winning in both the Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism categories, while Chris Day of the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission received the prestigious Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the sector.
"Mr Day is a Territory icon who has had significant involvement in a range of parks and tourism focused initiatives and facilitated delivery of quality and sustainable tourism experiences including the Alice Springs mountain bike trail network and design and development of the Larapinta Trail,"
"It is so important to acknowledge our local icons like Mr Day, and all the dedicated operators who work tirelessly to ensure our visitors have the most memorable Territory experiences," Ms Boothby said.
Safari Lodge Motel, located in the Barkly region, won the 3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation category, and NT Driver Guide - Escorted Touring was awarded New Tourism Business category.
The 22 NT business category winners will now represent the Northern Territory at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, to be held on 21 March 2025, in Adelaide, marking the 40th anniversary of the national awards program.
"Congratulations and thank you to all nominees, and to our winners for your dedication, passion and commitment to delivering the magic of our iconic Northern Territory."
2024 Winners
Major Tour and Transport Operators - AAT Kings
Tourism Minister's Perpetual Trophy - Chris Day
Excellence in Food Tourism - Cooinda Lodge Kakadu - Dird Full Moon Dinner
Festivals and Events - Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair
Business Event Venues - Darwin Convention Centre
Major Festivals and Events- Darwin Festival
Caravan and Holiday Parks - Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
Excellence in Accessible Tourism- Darwin Waterfront
Unique Accommodation - Gorge View Bush Retreat
4 - 4.5 Star Deluxe Accommodation - H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel
Tourist Attractions - Katherine Outback Experience
Chair's Choice Award - Katherine Outback Experience
Tourism Industry Employee Award - Martijn Weezepoel
Tourism Restaurants and Catering Services - Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge
New Tourism Business- NT Driver Guide - Escorted Touring
Tour and Transport Operators - Offshore Boats
George Dunne Award Outstanding Contribution by an Individual - Rex Neindorf
3 - 3.5 Star Accommodation- Safari Lodge Motel
Cultural Tourism - SEIT Tours
Visitor Information Services - Top End Visitor Information Centre
Tourism Retail, Hire and Services - Uluru Audio Guide
Major Tourist Attractions - Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experiences - Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia - Wintjiri Wiṟu
Tourism Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries - Willing Distillery
Northern Territory People's Choice Tripadvisor / Shiji ReviewPro Award - Willing Distillery
Ecotourism - World Expeditions - Australian Walking Holidays
Adventure Tourism- World Expeditions - Australian Walking Holidays
Media Contact - Russel Guse - 0488 047 830
Northern Territory Government
